gradualism Definition
- 1a policy of gradual reform rather than sudden change or revolution
- 2the belief in or advocacy of achieving social, economic, or political goals by gradual development rather than by sudden change or revolution
Using gradualism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gradualism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The party's platform is based on gradualism, with a focus on incremental changes to the system.
Example
The gradualism approach to environmental policy has been criticized for not doing enough to address the urgent issues at hand.
Example
The civil rights movement in the US was marked by a tension between advocates of gradualism and those who called for more radical action.
gradualism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for gradualism
Antonyms for gradualism
Phrases with gradualism
the theory that species evolve gradually over long periods of time through small genetic changes
Example
Evolutionary gradualism is contrasted with punctuated equilibrium, which posits that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability.
a style of art characterized by a slow and deliberate approach to composition and technique
Example
The artist's work is marked by a gradualism that emphasizes the process of creation as much as the final product.
a musical technique in which changes in tempo, dynamics, or melody occur gradually over time
Example
The composer's use of gradualism in the piece creates a sense of tension and release that builds throughout the performance.
Origins of gradualism
from the word 'gradual', meaning 'taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees'
Summary: gradualism in Brief
Gradualism [ˈɡradʒuəlɪzəm] is a policy or belief in achieving change through slow and incremental progress rather than sudden or revolutionary action. It is often contrasted with radicalism or revolutionism. Examples of gradualism can be found in politics, environmental policy, and social movements. The term also extends to artistic and musical techniques that emphasize slow and deliberate processes.